An ominous arrival at the Bank of Italy in Rome.
Among these men, financial experts sent by the European Union to look at the state of Italy's finances.
They'll almost certainly not like what they see.
Despite Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's promise of resignation on Tuesday, Italy's inability to deal with its massive debts continues to have a dramatic effect on the country's ability to raise money.
Italian bond yields -the amount of interest the country must pay those who buy its debt- have risen above 7 percent for 10 year bonds, reflecting investors' uncertainty that they'll get their money back.
Portugal and Ireland were forced to ask for an EU and IMF bailout when their bond yields reached similar levels.
IMF head Christine Lagarde.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND MANAGING DIRECTOR, CHRISTINE LAGARDE SAYING:
"Our sense is that if we do not act boldly and if we do not act together, the economy around the world runs the risk of a downward spiral of uncertainty, financial instability and potential collapse of global demand. Ultimately, we could run the risk of what some commentators are already calling the lost decade."
Italy is the euro zone's third largest economy - much larger than Greece, Ireland and Portugal which have received bailouts.
And many analysts say it's simply too big to bail out.
Europe's economic powerhouse Germany would shoulder the lion's share of any bailout costs, once again leaving its chancellor Angela Merkel in a difficult position.
(SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN CHANCELLOR, ANGELA MERKEL, SAYING:
"The current situation in Europe is certainly unpleasant enough to produce a change for the better. The debt crisis is not only unpleasant but also it's a moment of decision, a turning point, a moment of change and so it's the chance to follow a different path."
Traders say the European Central Bank has been aggressively buying Italian bonds, to show support and try to push against market forces.
Greece has taken a step closer to stability.
Departing Prime Minister George Papandreou addressed the nation, saying a new government and prime m inister had been agreed.
Back in Rome the EU inspectors could well discover Italy needs a bailout Europe can't afford to give.
And if it defaulted on that emergency loan the entire future of the euro zone would be called into question.
Andrew Potter, Reuters
